U.S. patent application number 12/598857 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for driving mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Yutaka Hotta, Tadafumi Yoshida, Masaki Yoshino.
Application Number | 20100127583 12/598857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40075133 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100127583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshida; Tadafumi ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
DRIVING MECHANISM
Abstract
A driving apparatus includes: a rotating electrical machine; an
inverter capable of supplying electric power to the rotating
electrical machine; an electrical device connected to the inverter;
a containing case capable of containing the rotating electrical
machine, the inverter, and the electrical device; and a cooling
coolant circulation circuit, distributing cooling coolant capable
of cooling the inverter and the electrical device, which allows the
inverter to be cooled at an upstream side relative to the
electrical device in a direction in which the cooling coolant is
distributed.
Inventors: |
Yoshida; Tadafumi;
(Toyota-shi, JP) ; Yoshino; Masaki; (Toyota-shi,
JP) ; Hotta; Yutaka; (Chiryu-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
40075133 |
Appl. No.: |
12/598857 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/059966 |
371 Date: |
November 4, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
310/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 11/048 20130101;
H02K 9/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
310/59 |
International
Class: |
H02K 9/19 20060101
H02K009/19 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2007 |
JP |
2007-139502 |
Claims
1. A driving mechanism comprising: a rotating electrical machine;
an inverter capable of supplying electric power to said rotating
electrical machine; an electrical device connected to said
inverter; a containing case capable of containing said rotating
electrical machine, said inverter, and said electrical device; and
a cooling coolant circulation circuit, distributing cooling coolant
capable of cooling said inverter and said electrical device, which
allows said inverter to be cooled at an upstream side relative to
said electrical device in a direction in which said cooling coolant
is distributed.
2. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said
inverter and said electrical device are arranged along a perimeter
of said rotating electrical machine.
3. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said
electrical device includes at least one of a capacitor and a
reactor.
4. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said cooling
coolant circulation circuit is provided between said inverter and
said rotating electrical machine as well as between said electrical
device and said rotating electrical machine.
5. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
a rotating electrical machine coolant circulation circuit
distributing rotating electrical machine coolant for cooling said
rotating electrical machine; and a heat exchange portion capable of
exchanging heat between said cooling coolant and said rotating
electrical machine coolant.
6. The driving mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: said
rotating electrical machine includes a first rotating electrical
machine and a second rotating electrical machine, said rotating
electrical machine coolant circulation circuit includes a first
reservoir storing first rotating electrical machine coolant for
cooling said first rotating electrical machine, and a second
reservoir storing second rotating electrical machine coolant for
cooling said second rotating electrical machine, and said cooling
coolant circulation circuit passes by a perimeter of said first
reservoir at an upstream side relative to said second reservoir in
the direction in which said cooling coolant is distributed, so as
to enable heat exchange between said first rotating electrical
machine coolant and said cooling coolant.
7. The driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said cooling
coolant circulation circuit includes: an inverter heat dissipating
unit capable of dissipating heat from said inverter to said cooling
coolant, and a capacitor heat dissipating unit capable of
dissipating heat from said capacitor to said cooling coolant.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a driving mechanism, in
particular, to cooling of a driving mechanism containing a rotating
electrical machine, an inverter, and a capacitor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, various types of driving mechanisms have
been proposed which allow for cooling of a motor, an inverter, and
the like integrally installed therein.
[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Laying-open 2003-339102
describes a vehicular driving apparatus including first and second
motor generators, first and second switching circuits, and a
coolant path in which coolant is distributed to be sprayed directly
to each of the first and second motor generators and to cool the
first and second switching circuits.
[0004] Further, Japanese Patent Laying-open 2001-238405 describes a
driving apparatus including a driving apparatus case, a motor
contained in this driving case, and an inverter attached to the
driving apparatus case. Between the driving apparatus case and the
inverter, a cooling flow path is provided to cool the inverter.
[0005] Japanese Patent Laying-open 7-288950 describes a driving
motor including a driving system and a cooling system. In the
driving motor, downsizing and weight reduction of the entire
configuration is achieved.
[0006] Japanese Patent Laying-open 2003-324903 describes a
vehicular inverter integrated motor in which shock resistance is
secured. Japanese Patent Laying-open 2006-197781 describes an
inverter integrated motor unit that facilitates installation and
improves a cooling capability.
[0007] None of the conventional driving apparatuses and the like
proposes a structure for cooling a rotating electrical machine, an
inverter, and electrical devices such as a capacitor connected to
the inverter, all together. On the other hand, it is known that a
capacitor or a reactor cannot attain its desired performance when
reaching or exceeding a predetermined temperature.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is made in light of the foregoing
problems, and its object is to provide a driving mechanism allowing
for cooling of a rotating electrical machine such as a motor, an
inverter, and an electrical device connected to the inverter.
[0009] A driving mechanism according to the present invention
includes: a rotating electrical machine; an inverter capable of
supplying electric power to the rotating electrical machine; an
electrical device connected to the inverter; and a containing case
capable of containing the rotating electrical machine, the
inverter, and the electrical device. The driving mechanism further
includes a cooling coolant circulation circuit, distributing
cooling coolant capable of cooling the inverter and the electrical
device, which allows the inverter to be cooled at an upstream side
relative to the electrical device in a direction in which the
cooling coolant is distributed.
[0010] It is preferable that the inverter and the electrical device
be arranged along a perimeter of the rotating electrical machine.
It is preferable that the electrical device include at least one of
a capacitor and a reactor.
[0011] It is preferable that the cooling coolant circulation
circuit be provided between the inverter and the rotating
electrical machine as well as between the electrical device and the
rotating electrical machine.
[0012] Preferably, the driving mechanism further includes: a
rotating electrical machine coolant circulation circuit
distributing rotating electrical machine coolant for cooling the
rotating electrical machine; and a heat exchange portion capable of
exchanging heat between the cooling coolant and the rotating
electrical machine coolant.
[0013] It is preferable that the rotating electrical machine
include a first rotating electrical machine and a second rotating
electrical machine, and the rotating electrical machine coolant
circulation circuit includes a first reservoir storing first
rotating electrical machine coolant for cooling the first rotating
electrical machine, and a second reservoir storing second rotating
electrical machine coolant for cooling the second rotating
electrical machine. Further, the cooling coolant circulation
circuit passes by a perimeter of the first reservoir at an upstream
side relative to the second reservoir in the direction in which the
cooling coolant is distributed, so as to enable heat exchange
between the first rotating electrical machine coolant and the
cooling coolant.
[0014] Preferably, the cooling coolant circulation circuit
includes: an inverter heat dissipating unit capable of dissipating
heat from the inverter to the cooling coolant, and a capacitor heat
dissipating unit capable of dissipating heat from the capacitor to
the cooling coolant.
[0015] Note that it is expected at the moment of filing of the
present application to appropriately combine the above-described
configurations as needed.
[0016] In accordance with a driving mechanism according to the
present invention, each of a rotating electrical machine, an
inverter, and an electrical device connected to the inverter can be
cooled well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of a driving apparatus according to
the present embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the driving apparatus
shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of the driving apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of the driving
apparatus.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0021] A driving apparatus (driving mechanism) 100 according to the
present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to
FIG. 4. Note that the same or equivalent configurations are given
the same reference characters, and explanation therefor may not be
repeated.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side view of a driving apparatus 100 according
to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of
driving apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of
driving apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of
driving apparatus 100.
[0023] Here, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, driving apparatus 100
includes a motor generator MG2 capable of generating motive power
to drive a wheel of a vehicle, a motor generator MG1 capable of
generating electric power when being driven by motive power given
from an internal combustion engine not shown in the figures, an
inverter 10, and a capacitor 11.
[0024] Inverter 10 includes a plurality of IGBTs (Insulated Gate
Bipolar Transistors), and a control board having an electronic
component mounted thereon to control turning on/off
(conduction/interruption) of the gate of each of the IGBTs (neither
of them is shown in the figures). In response to a signal from a
control apparatus not shown in the figures, inverter 10 is driven
to convert direct current power, supplied from a battery (not
shown), into alternating current power and supplies it to motor
generator MG2. When motor generators MG1, MG2 perform a
regenerative operation, inverter 10 converts alternating current
power generated by motor generators MG1, MG2 into direct current
power in order to charge the battery.
[0025] Capacitor 11 is connected to the battery (not shown) and
inverter 10, smoothes electric power from the battery and supplies
it to inverter 10, and smoothes electric power and supplies it to
the battery. This restrains occurrence of inrush current to
inverter 10.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a containing case 200
includes a first containing case 101 containing motor generator
MG2, a second containing case 103 containing motor generator MG1,
and an electronics containing case 102 containing inverter 10 and
capacitor 11 connected to inverter 10. It should be noted that, in
the present embodiment, containing case 200 contains motor
generators MG1, MG2, inverter 10, and capacitor 11, but the present
invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of capacitor
11, a reactor connected to inverter 10 may be contained therein, or
both capacitor 11 and the reactor may be contained. In addition, a
converter may be contained.
[0027] Motor generators MG1, MG2 have their rotating shafts
positioned coaxially. Along the extensions of the rotating shafts,
first containing case 101 and second containing case 103 are
arranged.
[0028] Here, first containing case 101 defines a rotating
electrical machine containing portion 110 capable of containing
motor generator MG2; a coolant reservoir 41; and a jacket portion
33.
[0029] Electronics containing case 102 is attached to a side
surface of first containing case 101. Electronics containing case
102 thus attached to the side surface of first containing case 101
defines therein an inverter receiving portion (inverter containing
portion) 105 that receives inverter 10, and a capacitor receiving
portion (capacitor receiving portion) 104 capable of receiving
capacitor 11.
[0030] Inverter 10 is contained in an inverter case 10A. Inverter
case 10A is contained in inverter receiving portion 105. Note that
if the converter is also contained in containing case 200, it is
preferable to contain the converter in inverter receiving portion
105.
[0031] Capacitor 11 is contained in a capacitor case 11A. Capacitor
case 11A is contained in capacitor receiving portion 104.
[0032] Here, each of inverter case 10A and capacitor case 11A is
provided around first containing case 101. Specifically, inverter
case 10A is positioned lateral to rotating electrical machine
containing portion 110 of first containing case 101, whereas
capacitor case 11A is positioned obliquely downward relative to
rotating electrical machine containing portion 110.
[0033] Accordingly, inverter 10 is positioned above capacitor 11
and lateral to rotating electrical machine containing portion 110,
and inverter 10 and capacitor 11 are arranged around motor
generator MG2 along the inner circumferential surface of first
containing case 101 that defines rotating electrical machine
containing portion 110.
[0034] Thus, inverter 10 and capacitor 11 are not overlap with each
other in the surroundings of motor generator MG2. Hence, the width
of the case can be prevented from being large. Accordingly, the
size of containing case 200 can be compact.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, second containing case 103 defines a
rotating electrical machine containing portion 111 containing motor
generator MG1; and a jacket portion 34. At the bottom surface of
rotating electrical machine containing portion 111, a coolant
reservoir 43, which stores lubricating oil 151 for cooling motor
generator MG1, is defined.
[0036] Driving apparatus 100 further includes a coolant circulation
circuit (rotating electrical machine coolant circulation circuit)
150 for cooling motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2.
[0037] In coolant circulation circuit 150, insulative lubricating
oil 151 is distributed. Lubricating oil 151 is sprayed to motor
generators MG1, MG2 to cool them and is supplied to bearings of the
rotating shafts of motor generators MG1, MG2 to secure lubricity of
the bearings.
[0038] Lubricating oil 151 sprayed to motor generator MG2 and
supplied to the bearing of motor generator MG2 is then accumulated
in coolant reservoir 41 formed within second containing case 103.
On the other hand, lubricating oil 151 sprayed to motor generator
MG1 and supplied to the bearing of motor generator MG1 is then
accumulated in the bottom portion of first containing case 103.
Thus, lubricating oil 151 supplied to motor generators MG1, MG2 is
brought back to an oil pan (not shown), is then sucked up by an oil
pump or the like, is supplied to motor generators MG1, MG2, and the
like through a strainer, and goes back to the oil pan again.
[0039] Driving apparatus 100 is provided with a coolant circulation
circuit 300 including a coolant distribution pipe 30 provided in
containing case 200 and a radiator 400 that cools coolant (LLC
(Long Life Coolant)) L, such as water, flowing in coolant
distribution pipe 30 by means of heat exchange between coolant L
and external air.
[0040] Coolant distribution pipe 30 includes a pipe path 31
extending between the side surface of first containing case 101
lateral to rotating electrical machine containing portion 110 and
the side surface of inverter case 10A. Accordingly, coolant L
flowing in pipe path 31 can absorb heat from inverter 10 to cool
it.
[0041] In addition, coolant distribution pipe 30 thus provided
between motor generator MG2 and inverter 10 can prevent transfer of
heat generated by driving of motor generator MG2 to inverter
10.
[0042] Here, pipe path 31 has a portion in contact with or adjacent
to the side surface of inverter case 10A. In this portion, a
plurality of fins (inverter heat dissipating units) 131, each
extending in the direction in which pipe path 31 extends, are
provided. Accordingly, a larger contact area with coolant L is
obtained therein, allowing heat to be dissipated well from inverter
10 to coolant L via fins 131.
[0043] Connected to pipe path 31 is a pipe path 301 connected to
radiator 400. Coolant L cooled by radiator 400 is supplied thereto
via an opening 30a located at the upper end of pipe path 31. Hence,
coolant L not heated by other devices such as capacitor 11 can be
supplied for inverter 10 and cool it well.
[0044] In addition, since pipe path 31 extends from the upper
surface side to the lower surface side of containing case 200, gas
having entered pipe path 31, such as air or water vapor, will be
moved toward the upper end of pipe path 31.
[0045] This can prevent accumulation of air in pipe path 31 at a
portion opposite to inverter 10, thereby cooling inverter 10
well.
[0046] It is preferable that the width of pipe path 31 (the width
in the direction in which the rotating shaft of motor generator MG2
extends) and the width of inverter 10 match with each other. Pipe
path 31 thus formed can prevent transfer of heat from motor
generator MG2 to inverter 10 and achieve improved efficiency for
cooling inverter 10.
[0047] Coolant distribution pipe 30 includes a pipe path 32 that is
connected to the lower end of pipe path 31 extending from the upper
side to the lower side of containing case 200 and that is provided
around capacitor 11.
[0048] Pipe path 32 extends from the upper surface of capacitor
case 11A to the bottom surface of capacitor case 11A via the side
surface thereof opposite to first containing case 101.
[0049] In this way, pipe path 32 extends to surround the
circumference of capacitor case 11A, whereby capacitor 11 can be
cooled well.
[0050] Further, because pipe path 32 is provided between motor
generator MG2 and capacitor 11, heat from motor generator MG2 can
be prevented from being transferred to capacitor 11.
[0051] Furthermore, pipe path 32 is inclined downward at its
portion over the upper surface of capacitor 11, more specifically,
is inclined downward from its portion connected to pipe path 31 to
its downstream side in the direction in which coolant L is
distributed. Also, pipe path 32 extends generally vertically at its
portion located at the side surface of capacitor 11. Accordingly,
gas having entered in pipe path 32, such as air or water vapor, is
let out to pipe path 31.
[0052] In this way, the gas is prevented from remaining in pipe
path 32 and pipe path 32 can be therefore filled with coolant L.
Hence, capacitor 11 can be cooled well.
[0053] Here, capacitor 11 is positioned lateral to coolant
reservoir 41 storing the lubricating oil. Pipe path 32 also has a
portion located between capacitor 11 and coolant reservoir 41.
Hence, heat from coolant reservoir 41 can be prevented from being
transferred to capacitor 11.
[0054] Note that a plurality of fins (capacitor heat dissipating
units) 132 each extending in the direction in which pipe path 32
extends may be provided on the inner surface of pipe path 32 at a
portion adjacent to capacitor case 11A in order to achieve improved
cooling efficiency.
[0055] Further, the width direction of pipe path 32 (direction
perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2; direction in which the
rotating shaft of motor generator MG2 extends) and the width of
capacitor 11 may match with each other. Pipe path 32 thus formed
can more efficiently prevent heat transfer from motor generator MG2
and coolant reservoir 41 to capacitor 11, thereby cooling capacitor
11 more efficiently.
[0056] Furthermore, coolant distribution pipe 30 includes jacket
portion 33 connected to pipe path 32. Jacket portion 33, provided
below coolant reservoir 41, extends in the axial direction of the
rotating shaft of motor generator MG2 as shown in FIG. 2. At jacket
portion 33, heat is exchanged between coolant L therein and
lubricating oil 151 in coolant reservoir 41. Thus, lubricating oil
151 can be cooled.
[0057] In particular, a plurality of fins (lubricating oil heat
dissipating units) 40 each extending in the direction in which
jacket portion 33 extends are provided on the inner surface of
jacket portion 33 at a portion opposite to coolant reservoir 41.
Hence, lubricating oil 151 can be cooled well.
[0058] Here, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, coolant reservoir 41,
provided below motor generator MG2, extends in the axial direction
of the rotating shaft of motor generator MG2, and therefore extends
in the same direction as the direction in which jacket portion 33
extends.
[0059] Hence, jacket portion 33 and coolant reservoir 41 face each
other at a large area, thus securing an area allowing for heat
exchange between lubricating oil 151 and coolant L. Lubricating oil
151 can be therefore cooled well.
[0060] Further, coolant distribution pipe 30 includes jacket
portion 34 that is provided in the downstream side relative to
jacket portion 33 in the direction in which the coolant is
distributed and that is connected to jacket portion 33.
[0061] Jacket portion 34 is provided below rotating electrical
machine containing portion 111 containing motor generator MG1, and
coolant reservoir 43. Rotating electrical machine containing
portion 111 has a generally cylindrical shape. Jacket portion 34
extends along the inner circumferential surface of second
containing case 103 that defines rotating electrical machine
containing portion 111.
[0062] At the bottom surfaces of rotating electrical machine
containing portion 111 and coolant reservoir 43, the lubricating
oil sprayed to motor generator MG1 and supplied to the bearing of
motor generator MG1 is accumulated. Since jacket portion 34 is
provided adjacent to the bottom surfaces of rotating electrical
machine containing portion 111 and coolant reservoir 43, the
lubricating oil in rotating electrical machine containing portion
111 and coolant reservoir 43 can be cooled.
[0063] Further, a fin 42 extending in the direction in which jacket
portion 34 extends is provided on the inner surface of jacket
portion 34 at a portion adjacent to rotating electrical machine
containing portion 111. Accordingly, the lubricating oil can be
cooled well.
[0064] Coolant L is brought back from an outlet 39 shown in FIG. 3
into radiator 400 via pipe path 302. Then, coolant L is discharged
again by a pump (not shown) or the like into pipe path 31 and is
distributed in coolant distribution pipe 30.
[0065] As described above, in driving apparatus 100 according to
the present embodiment, inverter 10, which has a heat-resistant
temperature lower than that of capacitor 11, is first cooled, and
capacitor 11 is cooled thereafter. This can restrain deterioration
of inverter 10.
[0066] Further, capacitor 11 is cooled before cooling of
lubricating oil 151. This prevents temperature rising of coolant L
for cooling capacitor 11, whereby capacitor 11 can be cooled well
too.
[0067] Furthermore, coolant circulation circuit 150 for cooling
motor generators MG1, MG2, and coolant circulation circuit 300 for
cooling inverter 10 and capacitor 11 are provided separately.
Hence, for example, even if supply of lubricating oil to motor
generators MG1, MG2 being driven causes pulsing in the lubricating
oil, this impact can be prevented from being transferred to
inverter 10 and capacitor 11. Note that in the present embodiment,
inverter 10 and the like are provided lateral to the side surface
of motor generator MG2 capable of generating motive power for
driving a wheel of a hybrid vehicle or the like, but the present
invention is not limited to this. Inverter 10 and the like may be
provided lateral to the side surface of motor generator MG1
functioning as an electric power generator. Where inverter 10 and
the like are provided lateral to the side surface of motor
generator MG1 as such, coolant L first flows to cool inverter 10
and the like, then lubricating oil 151 in coolant reservoir 43, and
then lubricating oil 151 in coolant reservoir 41.
[0068] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been
described, the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative and
non-restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention
is defined by the scope of claims rather than the above
description, and is intended to include any modifications within
the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0069] The present invention relates to a driving mechanism, in
particular, is suitable for cooling of a driving mechanism
containing a rotating electrical machine, an inverter, and a
capacitor.
* * * * *